When flying with large amounts of cash, it is important that you consider where to transport and pack it, whether flying with cash domestically or internationally. You shouldn't place cash in your checked luggage. This is because your bags are out of your sight and a lot more people have access to them.

No, you should never put cash in your checked luggage in 2026. Checked bags pass through multiple layers of human and automated security—including TSA agents, baggage handlers, and local airport staff—behind closed doors. If a bag is searched for "suspicious items" (like a dense wad of cash appearing as an anomaly on an X-ray), it is incredibly vulnerable to theft, and once your bag is checked, you lose all direct control over its contents. Furthermore, airlines and travel insurance companies almost never cover the loss of cash in checked luggage; if your money disappears, you will have no legal or financial recourse to recover it. Instead, you should always keep your cash in your carry-on bag or on your person in a money belt or secure pocket. If you are carrying more than $10,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) on an international flight, you must legally declare it to U.S. Customs (CBP) to avoid seizure, but even then, it should remain in your physical possession throughout the journey for safety.